Dolphins test out new starting defensive linemen vs. Buccaneers

In an attempt to turn the volume up on the team’s play on the front end of the defense, the Dolphins moved two former backups into starting roles.

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Nate Orchard and Jonathan Ledbetter spent the past week working with the starting defensive line, but the pair split the defensive end workload with Charles Harris, the Dolphins’ 2017 first-round pick, and Tank Carradine, a former Florida State Seminoles standout the Dolphins signed this offseason, during Friday night’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay.

Orchard, a 2015 second-round pick, is playing for his fifth NFL team since September of 2018, when he was released by the Cleveland Browns. He’s being transitioned from linebacker and believes Miami’s hybrid scheme is the perfect for his skill-set.

“I’ve been in the league now five years and I’ve had my fair share of opportunities,” Orchard said, who has contributed 69 tackles and five sacks in the 38 NFL games he’s played in. “Coming here it’s all about competition, whether you’re with the ones, twos or threes. Every day anything can happen, so each day you have to bring your best.

“Consistency is your best friend.”

Orchard isn’t stationary. He’s being groomed to move around along with Harris and Andrew Van Ginkel, the Dolphins’ 2019 fifth-round draft pick, to serve as pass rushers who will look to create havoc.

As for Ledbetter, his primary responsibility is to set the edge, and he typically plays as a run defender.

Ledbetter moved up the depth chart when Jonathan Woodard suffered an injury in Week 1 of training camp, and he’s made steady improvements each week.

“I’m heavy handed. I strike with my hands. I run to the ball. I just like to hunt out there,” Ledbetter said. “That’s what defense is about.”

After not getting drafted Ledbetter had a handful of offers, but picked the Dolphins because he felt Miami’s rebuilding effort would present him with a decent opportunity to make a 53-man regular-season roster.